Sullivan DPW workers want LaBuda out as chair of Public Works panel

Union says lawmaker ignoring concerns

MONTICELLO — Dozens of disgruntled Division of Public Works employees have signed a petition asking that Kathy LaBuda be removed as chairwoman of the Legislature's Public Works Committee and replaced with Legislator Gene Benson.

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By Leonard Sparks

recordonline.com

By Leonard Sparks

Posted Apr. 19, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Leonard Sparks
Posted Apr. 19, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

MONTICELLO — Dozens of disgruntled Division of Public Works employees have signed a petition asking that Kathy LaBuda be removed as chairwoman of the Legislature's Public Works Committee and replaced with Legislator Gene Benson.

About 70 of roughly 123 rank-and-file union employees signed the petition last month, said George Fountain, chief shop steward for Laborers International Local 17.

The petition says Benson, a Town of Fallsburg DPW worker and union representative, "has a much greater understanding of the workings of our division." But also driving the demand for a change is the conviction that LaBuda has failed to adequately respond to worker concerns, Fountain said.

"We have several issues, and Kathy really hasn't addressed any of them for us," Fountain said. "There's been a lot of cases where having our legislator there would make a difference." LaBuda has long chaired the Public Works Committee, and often publicly defends DPW funding while criticizing cutbacks that division officials say have affected their ability to keep up with bridge and road maintenance. She stressed her role as defender on Tuesday. "I'm one of the biggest supporters of our DPW and our unions," she said. "I was the only legislator two years ago that voted against any layoffs for your DPW."

She accused Fountain of having a "personal gripe against certain employees." Local 17 members charge LaBuda with being absent from regular meetings between labor and management, Fountain said. Another issue, he said, is a division mandate that certain workers be on a call list to remove snow from the Government Center before workers arrive.

Some of those who live on the county's outskirts balk at having to drive to Monticello, especially after the amount of overtime was reduced from three to two hours, and a meal reimbursement was eliminated, Fountain said. "She represents our department, (so) she should be listening to both sides," he said.